The points of issue
Harper & Row, New York, 1977 (published in May). The first edition carries Harper's 'FIRST EDITION' statement on the copyright page with no later-printing line, and the first-state dust jacket is price-clipped only if later altered, otherwise showing the original printed price. Heavily reprinted as a number-one bestseller.
Is this the true first?
The US Harper & Row first is the true first; it precedes the UK Macdonald and Jane's edition (both appeared in 1977, but the US is dated May 1977 and is the accepted first). McCullough's signature title.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Very common in book-club form. Book-of-the-Month Club editions lack the printed jacket price and carry a blind stamp on the rear board, with thinner, lighter boards. The true first shows the Harper 'First Edition' statement and an unclipped priced jacket.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Thorn Birds a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Harper & Row, New York, 1977 (published in May). The first edition carries Harper's 'FIRST EDITION' statement on the copyright page with no later-printing line, and the first-state dust jacket is price-clipped only if later altered, otherwise showing the original printed price. Heavily reprinted as a number-one bestseller.
How do I tell the first printing from a later one?
Check the copyright page for the publisher's first-printing convention and confirm the points above. The US Harper & Row first is the true first; it precedes the UK Macdonald and Jane's edition (both appeared in 1977, but the US is dated May 1977 and is the accepted first). McCullough's signature title.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Very common in book-club form. Book-of-the-Month Club editions lack the printed jacket price and carry a blind stamp on the rear board, with thinner, lighter boards. The true first shows the Harper 'First Edition' statement and an unclipped priced jacket.
I have a first edition of The Thorn Birds — what should I do?
If you're clearing books, New Mexico Literacy Project offers free pickup in Albuquerque, any condition, and makes sure collectible copies aren't lost. To sell, see the author's collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.